AN 85th minute winner from Tom Melhuish condemned Stogursey to defeat at Wyvern Rangers in a ninegoal thriller.

Goals from Dan Mosedale, Dean Marchent, Sam Gilder and Dan Long had seen the visitors level the game at 4-4, but Melhuish raced away to score his fourth of the afternoon and settle the game in Wyvern’s favour in the dying minutes.

It was a tough result to take for Stogursey player/manager Dave Spilsbury, who was disappointed to come away with nothing having led three times.

He said: “It was a very strange game to be part of and it was especially annoying to lose the game after being ahead three times, but individual errors were to blame.

“Despite this I can’t fault the effort of the players and there were positives to take in preparation for the Knockout Cup final against Blagdon Hill at Bridgwater Town on Tuesday.”

Wyvern started brightly and scored an early penalty which Tom Melhuish scuffed home from 12 yards.

Stogursey got back in the game after two goalkeeping mistakes to go in 2-1 up at half-time.

Wyvern once again started the second half well and equalised through Melhuish again.

The game then went sloppy with both teams taking the lead and frittering it away – Melhuish sealed his hat-trick and Joe Enticott scored for Rangers.

It wasn’t until the 85th minute that Melhuish broke away from the defenders to score his fourth and seal a dramatic victory for the home side.

Wyvern player/manager Daniel Pepperell believed his side deserved to win, but praised the efforts of both teams.

He said: “I’m delighted with the win against Stogursey. This was a good local football match between two clubs who play the game in the right spirit.

“We deserved the win today and I am a little disappointed that we didn’t win by a larger margin.

“All at the Wyvern would like to wish Stogursey the best of luck in their cup final on Tuesday evening.”